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Monthly Archives: November 2019
Holiday Gift Guide for Him
| GIFT IDEAS |
Insulated Mug | Soft Side Cooler | Grilling Set | Cookbook | Grill Light | Wireless Headphones | Trimmer Set | Suede Sunglasses | Toiletry Bag | Black Socks | Fleece Pullover
Today’s gift guide is Man Approved! 😉 My boyfriend helped pull together a few of these Christmas gift ideas for men. I figured he would be a good resource and utilized the drive to College Station this past weekend to pick his brain a little. He came up with some really good ideas, and then I just filled in a few with some of my favorites to round out the guide. As always, I tried to hit a variety of men from cooks to outdoorsy to stylish.
A few spotlight items:
SOCKS – Yep, as basic as Christmas gifts come! This brand is one of my boyfriend’s faves, although he usually prefers one of the prints. He says they are super comfy and worth the splurge!
SOFT SIDE COOLER – I attended a pool party over the summer, and a few party goers brought these coolers. These coolers are much easier to carry than the normal hard ones, and still super sturdy. You can also still feel them with lots of ice and beverages!
TOILETRIES BAG – I include one of these every year, because I think it’s such a good idea! This year, I found one with organizational compartments to make travel even easier.
GRILL LIGHT – Another idea from my boyfriend was a grill light. If your guy is a big griller, this will help with any night time grilling and is a much better option than a flashlight or phone light. It’s heat and weather resistant and can clamp on to free up hands for grilling.
Still stumped for a gift idea? I found a few more items shown below. You could also opt for something like a gift card to their favorite restaurant, an order from Omaha Steaks or something similar, or an experience gift like sports or concert tickets.
CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEAS FOR MEN
Beauty Trials: Dermalogica Phyto-Nature Firming Serum
(gifted by Dermalogica, the decision to review and opinions shared are my own)
A few months ago, Dermalogica sent me one of their newest products, a 2 in 1 firming serum, to try out. I’m a long time fan of Dermalogica’s skincare products because they always deliver great results for me. The Dermalogica Phyto-Nature Firming serum claims to both firm and lift with results like reducing fine lines and delivering luminosity after one use and reducing visible wrinkles after 4 weeks. Dermalogica is a clean skincare brand, and this serum features an ingredient list free of parabens, artificial fragrances and colors.
The ingredient list includes plant-derived bio-extracts to visibly tighten skin, Amazonian Camu Camu to help prolong radiance, Hyaluronic Acid delivering a filler effect, and the antioxidant Moroccan Rockrose Extract and Madagascar Green Coffee Bean to visibly revitalize skin and help decrease the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
I primarily used the product twice daily both in the morning right after my shower so it had time to soak in and in the evening before bed. Since I like mixing up my skincare routine in the evenings, I did not use solely this product but I did use it quite a bit.
Overall, I was pretty pleased with this product. After the first night time use, I did notice more of a glow in the morning. I felt my skin looked more hydrated reducing the appearance of some fine lines. When I use this product several days in a row, I can tell fine lines and wrinkles are improving. I think the forehead area was where I really saw a difference and improvement. It didn’t completely erase lines, but I did notice them improve and look less deep.
It’s a pretty simple product to apply. It contains 2 products that come out as one when you pump. I used 2 pumps with each application. It went on light and absorbed quickly. I was usually able to start my makeup routine not too long after applying. I like to give morning serums at least 10 minutes to soak in, but I had a few days I was in a rush and did less time.
If you are looking for a clean skincare serum, this would be a really good option. I will say I don’t think it would be my top serum choice over all beauty brands, but it would be pretty high on my list. For just clean skincare products, it would be a little higher on the serums list.
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70s Inspired Outfit: Bell Sleeve Top
Well it has been a long week! It started with me having a small cold which made me just want to come home and sleep after work and is ending with a little road trip to my first Aggie football game. I’m really excited to experience a Texas A&M game because I have heard it’s pretty cool. My college was not a big football school, so I feel like not many people went to games. I always wondered what it would be like to go to a game for a big school, and now I get to find out. In fashion preparation, I picked up a maroon coat because it’s supposed to be cold and a clear purse because apparently that’s a rule.
Enough football, let’s talk fashion. My look today definitely gives me a 70s inspired feel. This polka dot bell sleeve top with a semi-cropped banded waist made me think of the fashion of the 70s when I tried it on. I knew it needed to be paired with some flared jeans and tan suede heels to complete the outfit.
When trying to be inspired by past fashion trends, I try to give nods to the old but also keep the look present. You can do this with the print you choose or the accessories. I went with a smaller flare leg over a full bell bottom look, and went with a currently popular polka dot print.
You can instantly transform this top to current and chic by changing the jeans for a leather pencil skirt or skinny jeans.  I love adding in a pop of color with my earrings. I think the big statement earrings were the perfect compliment to the overall look.
I hope you all have a fabulous weekend!
| OUTFIT DETAILS |
Bell Sleeve Dot Print Top | Flared Bootcut Jeans | Tan Suede Heels | Black Crossbody Bag | c/o Red Fringe EarringsÂ
Photography By: Banavenue
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Holiday Gift Guide Under $50
| DETAILS |
Spiralizer | Bookends | Cocktail Shaker Kit | Cheese Board Set | Pendant Necklace | Set of Wine Tumblers | Skincare Set | Makeup Favorites Set | Packing Cubes | Silk Scrunchies | Cozy Socks
Let the Holiday Shopping Season begin! Has anyone started their Christmas shopping yet? I have not, but I have started making a list of gift ideas for those I’m planning on shopping for this year. My plan for this year is have a gift list ready to go and take advantage of the Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales. We will see if I am able to score any deals, at the very least I should be able to get some free shipping.
For my first gift guide of the season, I went with ya’lls yearly favorite Christmas gift ideas under $50. I found a variety of ideas in hopes of hitting multiple people on your list from the beauty lover, the foodie and entertainer, the traveler, and the one who likes cozy nights in.
A few stand out items on the guide:
PACKING CUBES – OK, these are on my wish list. These cubes are perfect for anyone on your list who travels whether it be for work or for fun. You can put different items in each cube to make a more organized suitcase. I love this idea because my suitcase always ends up looking like a hot mess while I am on vacation. The idea of putting like items together in these little cubes makes my organization loving heart happy.
SKINCARE SET – Drunk Elephant is one of my top skincare brands that I tried this year. I raved about some of their products in this post. This little set give you some of their top products for a steal of price! This skincare set would be great for all the ladies in your life!
SET OF WINE TUMBLERS – I have the unicorn color of these and love them! You can fill them with any beverage to keep it hot or cold. I love to use them by the pool with a cold beverage and filled with hot chocolate for viewing Christmas lights.
PENDANT NECKLACE – If you have zero clue on what to get someone, a pendant necklace is always a great idea. You can also find them in a variety of colors and price ranges to suit your needs. This brand is a favorite of mine. I’ve owned necklaces from them for years, and they still look great.
I will keep adding more ideas throughout the season below, so be sure to check back when you are ready to start shopping or need some fresh ideas. I have a few more gift guides coming for you over the next few weeks too, so stay tuned!
CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEAS UNDER $50
